NBA Playoffs 2018: Power ranking the first round matchups

OAKLAND, CA - MAY 4: Close up view of the NBA Playoffs logo before the game between the Golden State Warriors and the Utah Jazz during Game Two of the Western Conference Semifinals of the 2017 NBA Playoffs on May 4, 2017 at ORACLE Arena in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images) /

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NEW ORLEANS, LA – MARCH 27: Damian Lillard /

1. No. 3 Portland Trail Blazers (49-33) vs. No. 6 New Orleans Pelicans (48-34)

This matchup has the potential to set off the most fireworks, supplying top-end talent with second-tier MVP candidates and the even footing of one game separating their records. Portland’s dynamic duo of Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum can combine for 70 on any given night. Jrue Holiday has been low-key awesome (and healthy) this season. Anthony Davis might average 42 points and 18 boards for the series.

When DeMarcus Cousins blew out his Achilles, New Orleans playoff hopes presumably vanished. Davis rose to the challenge and kept the Pelicans above water. In 33 games without Cousins, Davis went HAM to the tune of 30.2 points on 51.4 percent shooting, 11.9 rebounds, 3.2 blocks, 2.2 assists, and 2.1 steals per game. In another season, that’d be a surefire case for MVP.

I wouldn’t say the Trail Blazers limped into the playoffs, but they’re staggering a little bit. Before winning the ultimate game of the regular season against Utah to clinch the 3-seed, Portland lost five of their past seven, including defeats at the hands of the NBA’s moribund, Dallas and Memphis. That stretch could serve as a wake-up call to a surprisingly-solid defensive Trail Blazer squad led by a pair of unstoppable scorers.

Next: NBA Playoffs 2018: Power ranking all 16 playoff teams

Prediction: This one gave me the most pause. On one hand, I quote this line between eight and 25 times whenever I watch a Pelicans game. On the other, I remember exactly where I was and who I was with when this happened… Alright, Blazers in seven.

Game 1 between the Trail Blazers and Pelicans will be at 10:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, April 14. ESPN will have the national telecast from the Moda Center in Portland.

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